On Friday, police in Copenhagen closed multiple bridges and ferries as they conducted a massive manhunt related to a "serious crime."

The shutdown affected the Oresund bridge between Denmark and Sweden; the Great Belt Bridge between Zeland and Funen; and ferry crossings to Germany and Sweden. Copenhagen and the rest of the island of Zeland were effectively separated from the rest of the nation for two hours while the Copenhagen police, Danish police intelligence services and the Danish Army conducted a search. Among others, the Helsingør-Helsingborg, Rødby-Puttgarden and Gedser-Rostock ferries were temporarily closed for the manhunt.

In a brief statement, the police asked for the public's help in locating a Swedish-registered Volvo V90, plate number ZBP 546, with three people inside. They warned any witnesses not to try to make contact with the vehicle's occupants, but to contact the police immediately upon sighting.

Danish media have reported that the "serious crime" is a kidnapping, but police have not confirmed the nature of the offense.

A spokesman for the Copenhagen police said late Friday that authorities have found what appears to be the suspects' car, and reassured the public that there is no need to worry. He could not confirm whether any arrests had been made.

All affected ferry services and bridge connections have since reopened or are in the process of reopening, according to the police.

“I spent 41 years in the Danish police, and I have never seen such a big action taken before,” said Hans Jorgen Bonnichsen, the former head of operations for Denmark's intelligence services, speaking to Danish media.

The Maritime Executive